Grout Sealant Dispensing Wand Assembly

ABSTRACT

A grout sealant dispensing wand assembly is connected with a dispensing device through a hose in such a way that the wand assembly enables a user to apply grout sealant to a grout line without having to kneel down. The grout sealant is stored within the dispensing device and discharges through the hose to the wand assembly so that a head attachment of the wand assembly allows the user to evenly apply grout sealant. The head attachment is respectively connected with a flow control valve, a lever-controlled valve, and a handle of the wand assembly as the lever-controlled valve actuates the wand assembly and the flow control valve regulates the flow rate of the grout sealant.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/004,048 filed on May 28, 2014.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to liquid dispensing devices. More specifically, the present invention is a grout sealant dispensing wand assembly which allows the user to apply grout sealant in a standing up position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Standard procedure for installing tiles includes spreading an adhesive to a selective surface that can be a floor or a wall, adhering of the tiles with the tile pattern, and finally securing and filling the inter-tile gaps with grout mixture. Grout, which is a high viscosity liquid, is most often a combination of water, cement, sand, and sometimes gravel. Grout is used as a construction material to fill gaps, voids, crevices, and joints. Most often, grout is utilized during tile installation and mosaics installation so that the gaps between each individual tiles can be filled to aid in the aesthetic appeal and prevent relative movement of the tiles. Additionally, because tiles are not exact copies of each other, the inter-tile line would highly amplify the differences in the individual tiles in the form of a crooked line if grout is not applied to fill the gaps. After the grout is cured within the tile pattern, a grout sealant is applied to the grout line so that the grout lines can be protected from unwanted elements that can cause mold or discoloration.

The traditional means of application of the grout sealant includes, spray application, brush application and several other applying tools. The traditional methods require the user to be close to the area of application which is most often the floor; as such the user is usually forced to bend on their hands and knees in order to apply the grout sealant. Over time various tools and systems have been invented to aid in alleviating the manual requirements of such a task. One of the existing tool is a grout sealant dispenser that comprise a piston plunger system, where the grout sealant dispenser forces the grout sealant out of a nozzle under pressure and allow the user to evenly apply the grout sealant over the grout lines. Other tools also aid in reducing the amount of effort required to obtain a perfect grout sealant spread. The problem with the traditional means and the more recent innovations is that they still require the user to be close to the ground and therefore need to bend over and work on their hands and knees.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a grout sealant dispensing apparatus so that the user is not required kneel down. The present invention provides a wand assembly which dispenses grout sealant directly onto the grout lines without requiring the user to kneel on the floor. The present invention utilizes an elongated wand, an attachment with a specifically designed bristled heads, and a pressure powered grout sealant dispenser so that the present invention yields an apparatus which substantially decreases the manual requirements of the user during the grout sealant application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the handle of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the handle of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the lever-controlled check valve of the present invention, showing the plane upon which a cross sectional view is taken shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a cross section view of the lever-controlled check valve taken along line A-A of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the flow control check valve of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the flow control check valve of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the head attachment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the head attachment of the present invention, showing the internal dispensing channel system.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the wand extension of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the compression fitting of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the compression fitting of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the present invention, wherein the present invention is connected with the dispensing apparatus through the hose.

FIG. 16 is a detailed view of the head attachment of the present invention, wherein the head attachment is positioned adjacent to a grout line.

FIG. 17 is a basic schematic view illustrating the fluid communication of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a grout sealant dispensing wand assembly designed to aid the user in applying a coat of grout sealant to the grout line without needing to bend over or kneel down. The present invention, the wand assembly, is in fluid communication with a dispensing apparatus 7 through a hose 8 so that the stored grout sealant within the dispensing apparatus 7 can be dispensed into the grout line through the hose 8 and the wand assembly. Additionally, the present invention utilizes a multi valves configuration to create a variable control system over the grout sealant dispensing speed. The present invention selectively and efficiently controls the dispensing process of the grout sealant as the present invention comprises a handle 1, a lever-controlled check valve 2, a flow control check valve 3, a head attachment 4, and a wand extension 5. In reference FIG. 1-FIG. 3, and FIG. 17 that illustrate the general configuration of the present invention, the handle 1 is in fluid communication with the lever-controlled check valve 2 while the flow control check valve 3 is in fluid communication with the lever-controlled check valve 2. The head attachment 4 is in fluid communication with the flow control check valve 3 through the wand extension 5.

The handle 1 that allows the user to firmly hold the present invention comprises a handle body 11, a first adaptor 12, and a second adaptor 13 as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. The handle body 11 is a tubular body extension that is externally shaped to match the contours of a human hand in order to yield an ergonomic and comfortable feel for the user. Preferably, an external surface of the handle body 11 is covered in a soft gel like material which conforms user pressure. The first adaptor 12 and the second adaptor 13 are in fluid communication with each other through the handle body 11 as a tubular inner surface extends from a back end of the handle 1 to a front end of the handle 1. The first adaptor 12 is in fluid communication with a first adaptor fitting 81 of the hose 8, and the second adaptor 13 is in fluid communication with an inlet fitting 22 of the lever-controlled check valve 2. Since the first adaptor 12 and the second adaptor 13 are in fluid communication with each other, the grout sealant from the dispensing apparatus 7 respectively flows through the hose 8, the first adaptor fitting 81, the first adaptor 12, the handle body 11, and into the lever-controlled check valve 2 through the second adaptor 13.

The lever-controlled check valve 2 allows the user to actuate the present invention as the flow of grout sealant is controlled through the lever-controlled check valve 2. In reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the lever-controlled check valve 2 comprises a lever controlled valve body 21, an outlet fitting 23, and a trigger mechanism 24 in addition to the inlet fitting 22. The inlet fitting 22 and the outlet fitting 23 are in fluid communication with each other through the trigger mechanism 24. More specifically, the inlet fitting 22 traverses into the lever controlled valve body 21 while the outlet fitting 23 traverses out of the lever controlled valve body 21 so that the inlet fitting 22 and the outlet fitting 23 can be in fluid communication with each other through the lever controlled valve body 21. The trigger mechanism 24 is operatively integrated into the lever controlled valve body 21 in between the inlet fitting 22 and the outlet fitting 23, where the trigger mechanism 24 actuates the present invention. When pressure is applied to the trigger, the lever-controlled check valve 2 opens and allows for the flow of grout sealant. The trigger mechanism 24 preferably utilizes a spring system to return the trigger to its original state and closes the lever-controlled check valve 2 in the absence of pressure. The lever-controlled check valve 2 is preferably made of stainless steel; however, other material compositions such as steel, rigid plastic, brass, and other comparable materials can also be utilized. Since the lever-controlled check valve 2 is in fluid communication with the flow control check valve 3, the grout sealant respectively flows through the lever controlled valve body 21, the outlet fitting 23, and into the flow control check valve 3 through an inlet coupler 32 of the flow control check valve 3.

The flow control check valve 3 allows the user to regulate the flowrate of the grout sealant within the present invention. As a result, the user is able to regulate the amount of grout sealant dispensed through the present invention which can vary depending on the thickness of the grout line. In reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the flow control check valve 3 comprises a flow control valve body 31, an outlet coupler 33, and a flow control mechanism 34 in addition to the inlet coupler 32. The inlet coupler 32 and the outlet coupler 33 are in fluid communication with each other through the flow control mechanism 34. More specifically, the inlet coupler 32 traverses into the flow control valve body 31 while the outlet coupler 33 traverses out of the flow control valve body 31 so that the inlet coupler 32 and the outlet coupler 33 can be in fluid communication with each other through the flow control valve body 31. The flow control mechanism 34 is operatively integrated into the flow control valve body 31 in between the inlet coupler 32 and the outlet coupler 33, where the flow control mechanism 34 regulates the flow rate of the present invention. The flow control check valve 3 can include, but is not limited to, actuated globe valve, actuated diaphragm valve, mechanical ball valve, mechanical gate valve, mechanical butterfly valve, thumb-grip lever valve, spring-loaded plunger valve, and any other type similar flow controlling valve. The flow control check valve 3 is preferably made of stainless steel; however, other material compositions such as steel, rigid plastic, brass, and combination of thereof can also be utilized. Since the flow control check valve 3 is in fluid communication with the head attachment 4 through the wand extension 5, the outlet coupler 33 is in fluid communication with a proximal end 51 of the wand extension 5 so that the grout sealant can respectively flow through the flow control valve body 31, the outlet coupler 33, and into the wand extension 5 through the proximal end 51.

In reference to FIG. 12, the wand extension 5 provides an elongated tubing to accommodate the distance between the user and the grout line so that the user is able to operate the present invention in a standing up position. A distal end 52 of the wand extension 5 is oppositely positioned of the proximal end 51 and preferably provides a curved section so that head attachment 4 can fully engage with the grout lines. Optionally, the distal end 52 can comprise a needle valve that is designed to further regulate the flowrate of the grout sealant.

The head attachment 4 is an interchangeable member and shaped to cover the grout line that the grout sealant to be applied. The present invention can include a variety of different shaped head attachments 4 which are sized and shaped in different configuration to match different grout lines. For example, the head attachment 4 can include, but is not limited to, a cross-shaped member, a concave-rectangular-shaped member, a curved-rectangular-shaped member, a convex-shaped member, a short rectangle-shaped member, and an elongated-rectangle shaped member. In reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the head attachment 4 comprises an attachment body 41, an internal dispensing channel system 42, a connecting coupler 43, and a plurality of bristles 44. The connecting coupler 43 that attaches the head attachment 4 to the wand extension 5 is adjacently connected with the attachment body 41. More specifically, the connecting coupler 43 is in fluid communication with the distal end 52 of the wand extension 5 so that the grout sealant can be dispensed into the head attachment 4. The plurality of bristles 44 is extended from the attachment body 41 and positioned opposite of the connecting coupler 43. The plurality of bristles 44 is evenly distributed in a pattern which is subject to change depending on different grout lines and tile patterns. The preferred material composition for the plurality of bristles 44 is semi-bendable plastic; however, other similar type of materials may be utilized as well. The length, width, and material composition of the plurality of bristles 44 can change in reference to different embodiments of the present invention. For example, the plurality of bristles 44 may be angled or may aggregate to conform to the required applying motion of the user. The internal dispensing channel system 42 traverses through the attachment body 41 from the connecting coupler 43 to the plurality of bristles 44, resulting the connecting coupler 43 to be in fluid communication with the plurality of bristles 44 through the attachment body 41. With the use of the head attachments 4, the present invention allows the user to stand during the application of grout sealant regardless of the size and design of the tile pattern or the grout lines as the plurality of bristles 44 evenly applies the grout sealant against the grout lines.

To prevent the grout sealant from dripping, leaking, and or spilling at the connecting coupler 43 of the head attachment 4, a plurality of additional components can be utilized within the present invention. In reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the present invention preferably utilizes a compression fitting 6 that engages in between the head attachment 4 and the distal end 52 of the wand extension 5. The compression fitting 6 is in fluid communication with the connecting coupler 43 and the distal end 52 of the wand extension 5, enabling the grout sealant to be discharged from the wand extension 5 to head attachment 4. In alternative embodiments, other comparable means may be utilized to prevent backflow and leakage of the grout sealant.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing apparatus 7 comprises a cylindrical storage container with an associated lid that is equipped with an air compression device as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16. The air compression device is a hand powered air compressor that is incorporated into the lid of the storage container and thus is highly portable. Through an up and down reciprocating motion of the air compression device, air is pushed into the storage container through a series of one way valves until the internal pressure of the storage container is maximized. Then the internal pressure of the storage container causes the stored grout sealant to be expelled through the hose 8 as a second adaptor fitting 82 of the hose 8 is in fluid communication with the dispensing apparatus 7. The lid is attached to the top of the storage container through a threaded coupling in such a way that the user may remove the lid to refill the storage container with grout sealant for standard function. The lid is also used to fill the storage container with water in order to clean the storage container, hose 8, and the wand assembly as the grout sealant can dry and clog the present invention. Even though the preferred embodiment utilizes the hand powered air compression device, the air compression device of the dispensing apparatus 7 can utilize an electronically operated compression pump and a pneumatically operated compression pump. The storage container and the lid are preferably made of rigid plastic material resulting in a lighter dispensing apparatus 7; however, other possible material compositions for the storage container and the lid include, but are not limited to, aluminum, steel, wood, and other comparable materials that is capable of withstanding high internal pressure without failure or leakage. The hose 8 is a standard tubular hose 8 and coupled with the dispensing apparatus 7 through the second adaptor fitting 82 and the wand assembly through the first adaptor fitting 81. Additionally, the first adaptor fitting 81 and the second adaptor fitting 82 are attached to their respective components via a threaded coupling or compression coupling which allows for easy replacement, cleaning, and modularity. As a result, the user is able to interchange the hose 8 depending upon different length requirements. Furthermore, the hose 8 comprises either a fabric reinforced rubber or urethane material with a high pressure rating as the grout sealant flowing through the hose 8 flows under a substantial amount of pressure.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A grout sealant dispensing wand assembly comprises: a handle; a lever-controlled check valve; a flow control check valve; a head attachment; the handle being in fluid communication with the lever-controlled check valve; the lever-controlled check valve being in fluid communication with the flow control check valve; and the flow control check valve being in fluid communication with the head attachment through a wand extension.
 2. The grout sealant dispensing wand assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the handle comprises a handle body, a first adaptor, and a second adaptor; the first adaptor and the second adaptor being in fluid communication with each other through the handle body; and the second adaptor being in fluid communication with an inlet fitting of the lever-controlled check valve.
 3. The grout sealant dispensing wand assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the lever-controlled check valve comprises a lever controlled valve body, an inlet fitting, an outlet fitting, and a trigger mechanism; the inlet fitting and the outlet fitting being in fluid communication with each other through the trigger mechanism; the inlet fitting traversing into the lever controlled valve body; the outlet fitting traversing out of the lever controlled valve body; the trigger mechanism being operatively integrated into the lever controlled valve body in between the inlet fitting and the outlet fitting; and the outlet fitting being in fluid communication with an inlet coupler of the flow control check valve.
 4. The grout sealant dispensing wand assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the flow control check valve comprises a flow control valve body, an inlet coupler, an outlet coupler, and a flow control mechanism; the inlet coupler and the outlet coupler being in fluid communication with each other through the flow control mechanism; the inlet coupler traversing into the flow control valve body; the outlet coupler traversing out of the flow control valve body; the flow control mechanism being operatively integrated with the flow control valve body in between the inlet coupler and the outlet coupler; and the outlet coupler being in fluid communication with a proximal end of wand extension.
 5. The grout sealant dispensing wand assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the head attachment comprises an attachment body, an internal dispensing channel system, a connecting coupler, and a plurality of bristles; the connecting coupler being adjacently connected with the attachment body; the plurality of bristles being extended from the attachment body, opposite of the connecting coupler; the connecting coupler being in fluid communication with a distal end of the wand extension; and the internal dispensing channel system traversing through the attachment body from the connecting coupler to the plurality of bristles.
 6. The grout sealant dispensing wand assembly as claimed in claim 5 comprises: a compression fitting; and the compression fitting being in fluid communication in between the connecting coupler and the distal end of the wand extension.
 7. A grout sealant dispensing wand assembly comprises: a handle; a lever-controlled check valve; a flow control check valve; a head attachment; the handle comprises a handle body, a first adaptor, and a second adaptor; the first adaptor and the second adaptor being in fluid communication with each other through the handle body; the second adaptor being in fluid communication with an inlet fitting of the lever-controlled check valve; the lever-controlled check valve being in fluid communication with the flow control check valve; and the flow control check valve being in fluid communication with the head attachment through a wand extension.
 8. The grout sealant dispensing wand assembly as claimed in claim 7 comprises: the lever-controlled check valve comprises a lever controlled valve body, an outlet fitting, and a trigger mechanism; the inlet fitting and the outlet fitting being in fluid communication with each other through the trigger mechanism; the inlet fitting traversing into the lever controlled valve body; the outlet fitting traversing out of the lever controlled valve body; the trigger mechanism being operatively integrated into the lever controlled valve body in between the inlet fitting and the outlet fitting; and the outlet fitting being in fluid communication with an inlet coupler of the flow control check valve.
 9. The grout sealant dispensing wand assembly as claimed in claim 7 comprises: the flow control check valve comprises a flow control valve body, an inlet coupler, an outlet coupler, and a flow control mechanism; the inlet coupler and the outlet coupler being in fluid communication with each other through the flow control mechanism; the inlet coupler traversing into the flow control valve body; the outlet coupler traversing out of the flow control valve body; the flow control mechanism being operatively integrated with the flow control valve body in between the inlet coupler and the outlet coupler; and the outlet coupler being in fluid communication with a proximal end of wand extension.
 10. The grout sealant dispensing wand assembly as claimed in claim 7 comprises: the head attachment comprises an attachment body, an internal dispensing channel system, a connecting coupler, and a plurality of bristles; the connecting coupler being adjacently connected with the attachment body; the plurality of bristles being extended from the attachment body, opposite of the connecting coupler; the connecting coupler being in fluid communication with a distal end of the wand extension; and the internal dispensing channel system traversing through the attachment body from the connecting coupler to the plurality of bristles.
 11. The grout sealant dispensing wand assembly as claimed in claim 10 comprises: a compression fitting; and the compression fitting being in fluid communication in between the connecting coupler and the distal end of the wand extension.
 12. A grout sealant dispensing wand assembly comprises: a handle; a lever-controlled check valve; a flow control check valve; a head attachment; the handle comprises a handle body, a first adaptor, and a second adaptor; the lever-controlled check valve comprises a lever controlled valve body, an inlet fitting, an outlet fitting, and a trigger mechanism; the first adaptor and the second adaptor being in fluid communication with each other through the handle body; the inlet fitting and the outlet fitting being in fluid communication with each other through the trigger mechanism; the inlet fitting traversing into the lever controlled valve body; the outlet fitting traversing out of the lever controlled valve body; the trigger mechanism being operatively integrated into the lever controlled valve body in between the inlet fitting and the outlet fitting; the second adaptor being in fluid communication with the inlet fitting; the outlet fitting being in fluid communication with an inlet coupler of the flow control check valve; and the flow control check valve being in fluid communication with the head attachment through a wand extension.
 13. The grout sealant dispensing wand assembly as claimed in claim 12 comprises: the flow control check valve comprises a flow control valve body, an outlet coupler, and a flow control mechanism; the inlet coupler and the outlet coupler being in fluid communication with each other through the flow control mechanism; the inlet coupler traversing into the flow control valve body; the outlet coupler traversing out of the flow control valve body; the flow control mechanism being operatively integrated with the flow control valve body in between the inlet coupler and the outlet coupler; and the outlet coupler being in fluid communication with a proximal end of wand extension.
 14. The grout sealant dispensing wand assembly as claimed in claim 12 comprises: the head attachment comprises an attachment body, an internal dispensing channel system, a connecting coupler, and a plurality of bristles; the connecting coupler being adjacently connected with the attachment body; the plurality of bristles being extended from the attachment body, opposite of the connecting coupler; the connecting coupler being in fluid communication with a distal end of the wand extension; and the internal dispensing channel system traversing through the attachment body from the connecting coupler to the plurality of bristles.
 15. The grout sealant dispensing wand assembly as claimed in claim 14 comprises: a compression fitting; and the compression fitting being in fluid communication in between the connecting coupler and the distal end of the wand extension. 